Spring Sports Preview
By Sam McClanahan
The Pendleton County Ladycats Fastpitch Softball team is ready to get their 2025 season underway this week. Team head coach Jessica Verst and her staff are excited about the potential of this year's squad and believe they have what it takes to exceed expectations and produce a successful, winning season.
Last year, the Ladycats finished 13-16 overall, falling in the district championship game followed by a first round exit in the 10th Region Tournament. Coach Verst says this year's team boasts plenty of talent with a desire to win and bring championship banners back to Pendleton County.
"This team is filled with girls who are not only talented but equally competitive. They are driven to win and they are eager to get out there and show what they can do," she said.
The Ladycats will be led by the senior duo of Madison Verst and the returning Logan Cooper, who returns to the program after a one year absence. Both players will be counted on to provide veteran leadership along with steady hitting, fielding and championship experience.
Other key returners include sophomore Hannah Spaulding who will be relied on the anchor the pitching staff. Last year, Spaulding led the team in hitting while also starting 19 games inside the pitcher's circle. She won 10 games while striking out 125 batters in 132 innings with an ERA of 3.28. Freshman Jessa Gerhardstein will also be counted on to take a step forward in her development in becoming a solid number two starter.
Among the returners on offense will be junior Mylie Honnert, who batted .300 last year and sophomore Aubrey Mullins, a .302 hitter in 2024. The Ladycats will also be looking for solid years from Riley Browning, Kinly Cooper, Rylan Anderson and newcomer Hadley Spaulding.
Pendleton County was picked fifth in the preseason 10th Region Coaches Association poll and will once again need to overcome the challenges they'll be presented with from Nicholas County and Harrison County in order to claim a district title and put themselves in a position to compete for another regional championship.
Pendleton County will open their season on March 18 at Montgomery County followed by the home opener versus Holy Cross on March 21.
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Ladycats Fastpitch Schedule
Date Opponent. Location Time
3/18 Montgomery Co. Away 6:00 p.m.
3/21 Holy Cross Home 6:00 p.m.
3/25 Connor Home 5:00 p.m.
3/26 Bishop Brossart Home 5:00 p.m.
3/27 Simon Kenton Home 6:00 p.m.
3/31 Harrison County Away 5:30 p.m.
4/2 Dixie Heights Away 6:00 p.m.
4/3 Nicholas County Home 6:00 p.m.
4/4 Scott Away 5:30 p.m.
4/5 Campbell County Home 11:00 a.m.
4/8 Robertson County Home 7:30 p.m
4/8 Robertson County Home 5:30 p.m.
4/10-4/12 Cal Ripken Experience Pigeon Forge, TN
4/14 Highlands Home 5:00 p.m.
4/15 Harrison Co. Home 5:30 p.m.
4/17 GRC Home 6:00 p.m.
4/22 Notre Dame Home 5:30 p.m.
4/23 Bracken County Away 6:00 p.m.
4/25 Nicholas County Away 6:00 p.m.
4/29 Campbell Co. Away 5:30 p.m.
4/22 Scott County Away 6:00 p.m.
5/2 Lexington Catholic Home 5:30 p.m
5/3 Bethel OH Home 11:00 a.m.
5/3 Ryle Home 3:00 p.m.
5/5. Mason County Home 6:00 p.m.